Is the thought of this lost summer and the rapid return of another wet, cold, dark winter in the UK making you long for a life somewhere warm and sunny?

Pandemic aside, the international school sector has been booming for years, and thousands of teachers have taken advantage of it.

There are things to consider, of course, from the reality of moving away for an extended period of time to being immersed in a new culture.

And if you are an LGBT+ teacher looking to move into teaching internationally, there are a few extra things you should consider before accepting that post in the sunshine.

Are you an LGBT teacher thinking of working overseas?

As someone who has been in this position, here are the key issues to consider:

1. Is this the right country for me?

Don’t be blindly tempted by the promise of tax-free wages or all-year-round sunshine. Do your research. 

There are, unfortunately, still lots of countries that do not protect LGBT+ rights, and some nations where it is illegal to be gay. 

Make sure you are not going to get arrested for kissing your partner in public or on video, like a woman was in Tanzania after a video of her kissing her partner and handing her a ring went viral.

If you already have a family, will it be protected, respected and accepted?

If you’re looking at a country where same-sex marriage is not permitted, will you still be OK with that in five years? 

Think about the size of the place and how metropolitan it is, too. For someone single and looking to mingle, a small village in the middle of nowhere probably isn’t going to cut it.

If your gaydar is as unreliable as mine, you may want to find somewhere with an established scene. In my experience, the larger LGBT+ population, the more likely you are to be accepted, or at least tolerated (but there are exceptions).

I have held hands and walked down busy streets with my wife in several cities around the world and experienced a variety of reactions, from lewd comments, to relative invisibility, to open gawping of some in small towns.

2. Is this the right school?

I was in the unusual position of working in several different international schools within one city and was interviewed for several more, and I saw huge differences in how LGBT+ people were accepted, regardless of local law.

I highly recommend physically visiting the school if possible. I went to interview at a non-denominational international school in Bangkok, but when I arrived I saw that it was next to a Mosque and the majority of the staff and students were Muslim.

This wouldn’t necessarily have been a problem, but it prompted me to ask the headteacher what would happen if the parents saw me kiss my wife and had a problem with it? He was able to offer me no reassurance.

The next day, I nervously came out during an interview in a different school and was reassured by a German headteacher. “It’s 2011!” they said. “Who cares? They need to get over it!”

Even if you don’t plan on being out at school, I highly recommend having that conversation with the hiring team. If there is a parent complaint, your managers are the first point of call; you want to make sure they have your back.

In my experience, the majority of headteachers are not phased at all, and if they are, it may not be an environment you want to spend your time in.

3. Can I create a community?

Eight years ago, before I made my second, huge international move, I was able to connect with lesbians “on the ground” before I arrived.

In fact, my first weekend there, I had already lined up a ten-pin bowling trip with a group of women, which got me immediately into the scene.

Friends, gossip and insight into the lesbian cultural differences were invaluable. In fact, it was through this group that I met my wife, just three months after I arrived. 

It all makes the start just that little bit easier.

4. Can I fit in with the culture?

The chances are that if you are looking for an international position, you are looking to broaden your horizons.

Once you have chosen your destination, try to leave any preconceived notions behind. 

Listen to the locals, the ex-pats and the place itself but try to form your own opinions. Be prepared for some culture shock, but try to understand.

Things will be different but perhaps you’re about to find something better.

Your sexuality should have very little to do with your career as a teacher, but it’s smart to prepare yourself and know what you’re walking into because, in some situations, it will.

With proper planning and preparation, you can have great experiences working abroad.

Emma Rawlinson is a primary school teacher who has been teaching internationally for more than 10 years. She currently lives in Spain with her wife and family